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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tanya Eavenson and her husband have been in the ministry
for fifteen years teaching youth, adults, and
counseling. Tanya enjoys
spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime
is grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers and writes for Christ to the World
Ministries sharing the Gospel around the world. You can find her on Twitter at
@Tan_eave and contact her at her website www.tanyaeavenson.com Want to learn more about writing? Stop by her
blog http://guidedgirls.blogspot.com

Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.

I’d have to
say that every character has a piece of me within them, whether it’s something
the character likes, a physical attribute, or even a journey of spiritual
growth. There’s a scene in the novel where Elizabeth and Chris head out to the
lake. Elizabeth
tries to hold onto the dock, but is unable and the boat floats away. When I
thought to add that scene, I could only laugh. It was the first time I’d ever
tried to use a trolling motor.

What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?

Oh, I know I’m quirky, but one thing I did as a child was
climb on top of the roof of my house with a telescope and watch the stars at
night.

When did you first
discover that you were a writer?

I’m not sure when it happened really, but it took longer
than most. See, I never intended to be a writer, it just happened when my
husband left for a mission trip. Then in 2011 Unconditional semi-finaled
in the ACFW Genesis contest. I still didn’t believe I was really a writer but I
keep plugging away, learning the craft. It wasn’t even when I signed my first
contract. It happened when my husband told me he was proud of me and that I
trusted God and never looked back. That’s when I became a writer and an author
at the same time.

Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love to read non-fiction that dives into God’s word. Next
would be historical fiction.

How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m still learning. =)

How do you choose
your characters’ names?

I choose names that I’ve always liked. I remember being in
middle school and picking out the names my children would have one day. And
yes, I did actually name my youngest child one of those names, and that name is
my heroine in my novel Unconditional.

What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’d have to say being a child of God. There is no other joy
than following after Christ with all your heart and soul, willing to do
whatever He calls us to do.

If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?

A Snow Tiger. They are the most beautiful animals I’ve ever
seen and their eyes…. Most of them have blue eyes, but some have a more of a
bluish/green tint and against their white coats, they are very distinct.

There are a couple at
the Ft. Worth Zoo. They’re beautiful. What is your favorite food?

It’s a toss-up between Cuban and Italian.

What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest roadblock, and one I still face today, is being
afraid of making mistakes for people to see. Most of the time I overcome it by
praying, but it runs deep, so it’s a struggle.

Tell us about the
featured book.

He will fight for her at any costs…

Unconditionalis about a husband and wife who find their world
has been turned upside down after an accident. Elizabeth Roberts can't remember
her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking
to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When Elizabeth’s
coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort
elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to
fight for Elizabeth
at any cost.

This book is very dear to my heart because God put it there. Statistics
show whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, marriages are failing at
the same rate. I believe in marriage there needs to be an unconditional love as
God shows and displays in our lives. He also tells us to love our enemies as
ourselves, so what is that saying for our marriages today? We need to show a
love that isn’t possible from us alone, but a love that comes from God who
ordained marriage to last.

I wholeheartedly believe that if we fight for our marriages
and follow after Christ, He will be the One to show us an unconditional love
for our spouses.

Yes, I know couples
who did that after bitter and even fairly long times apart. I love to watch God’s
miracles. Please give us the first page of the book.

Sure! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter
One

Elizabeth pushed herself
up from the bed. Her gaze swept the dark room and fixed on the hall nightlight.
Her hand grazed over her husband’s shoulder when a thought gripped her. Katherine. The baby monitor stood
silent. Darkness shrouded the red and green lights that indicated movement.

Her chest
tightened. She hurled the covers away and leapt to the floor. Panic made her
clumsy as she rushed to her daughter’s room. She lunged over the crib. No
sound. No movement. Not even a stirring of air from her tiny nostrils.

“Katherine!” Elizabeth snatched her
daughter from the mattress. The infant drew a heavy breath as her eyes flung
wide open.

He studied
their child. “She seems to be breathing now. Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m
sure.”

“She’s fine.”
Chris fell back against the pillow.

“Please—”

“We don’t have
the money to take her to the hospital when there’s nothing wrong with her.”

“But there is.
She stopped breathing.”

He sat back up.
“You’ve been worried about her since before she was born. You’re all worked up
because she hasn’t rolled over yet. The doctor said that’s normal for being
early.”

She’s called a preemie. She glared into
his eyes. “If you were home more often you’d know she’s not fine.”

“I’m home, Elizabeth, and she’s
fine.”

Heat flushed
her cheeks as tears filled her eyes. “I’m scared. Can’t you see that? I need
you to pray for our daughter. I need you to hold me and tell me everything will
be all right.”

“Look, she’s
sleeping.” His voice softened as his hand ran down her thigh. “Come to bed.”

“How can you
care so little? I’m worried about our baby.”

Chris’s hand
dropped to the sheets. “Shut the door when you leave.” He turned away from her.

Elizabeth stood for a
moment unable to speak. With their baby in her arms, she slowly closed the door
behind her and sank her teeth into her lip to keep from crying. If tears came,
it would be for her daughter, not for the stranger in her bed.

An interesting start. Can’t wait to read the rest. How can
readers find you on the Internet?

"Unconditional is a
powerfully-gripping story of deep heartache laced with fears, yet even through
the sorrow, Tanya Eavenson reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's
love."

~ Alice J. Wisler, author of "Still
Life in Shadows" and other novels

"Not your typical amnesia story, Unconditional tells a tale of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Eavenson drags her characters through the fire, then reveals God’s power
through their broken lives. The writing is stellar; the emotion, raw and
palpable; the cast, impeccably crafted. This author is one to be watched!"

~ April W Gardner, award-winning author

"Unconditionalexplores the struggles that married
couples sometimes experience, and the decisions they must make after going
through difficult circumstances. A powerful story of hope and healing."

~ Laura V. Hilton, Healing
Love (Whitaker House)

"Unconditionalis a beautiful story of God's
never-ending love. Throughout its pages, Tanya Eavenson evokes a myriad of
emotions in her readers, from deep despair to heartfelt praise. The characters
gripped my heart, showing me the reality of man's sin but also the depth of
God's grace. Unconditional is a well-written, heart-stirring novel written by a
talented new author.

Thank you, Lena, for having
me on your blog. I’d like to give away a copy of Unconditionalto one person who leaves a comment by
answering any question you asked me in the interview.

And thank you, Tanya, for sharing this story with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Leave a comment answering one of the questions I asked Tanya for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

27 comments:

Wow! Unconditional is a book I definitely want to read. Tanya's statement about asking God for unconditional love and following His plan was touching. I'm not married yet, but I don't want my marriage to be among the majority of those that fall apart. I must read this book! Please enter me! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

Hi Tanya,Congratulations on your debut book. I know how that feels. Lena wanted us to answer a question she asked. I chose "How do you keep your sanity in a run, run, run world." Answer: "Who says I'm sane. LOL"

Hope I win a copy of your book.Deborah Malone/Georgia"Death in Dahlonega"

Monica, dolphins are my second favorite! We took a family vacation to Sea World about two years ago and I spent most of the time watching the dophin shows. All those jumps... they aren't fearful of water at all, or heights. =)

If I could share one bit of advice that I learned being married is to never try to fill that spot within you that only God intended to fill. No one can take God's place. Keeping Him first is the key. =)

Hi Tanya,Thank you for giving me a chance to win your book. I think it is great that for 15 years you taught youth, adults and counseling. Your book sounds great i can't wait to read it. God bless you.Norma Stanforth from Ohio

Your book sounds amazing. I would really like to read it!--How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?--I try to get enough sleep and eat right. I also "Pray with ceasing". That's the most important help.